On Saturday, Costa Rica will celebrate Mother's Day. We wish all the moms and mother figures a wonderful day. Thank you for everything you do!

Every year on Aug. 15, Costa Rica celebrates Mother's Day, giving residents and expats the chance to honor the maternal figures in their lives twice a year.

Costa Rica chose Aug. 15 for its Mother's Day celebration, coinciding with the Catholic Church's observance of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven.

It is an official holiday in Costa Rica, so many private companies and most public offices, including banks, clinics, embassies, institutes and municipalities, among many others, will be closed on Friday, Aug. 14 or Saturday, Aug. 15.

The holiday also gives local businesses a nice boost. Costa Ricans often use the phrase, "Usted ya hizo su Agosto," which translates to "You made it in August." The saying refers to the extra profits businesses often make from increased sales around Mother's Day.

Across the country, you'll find all kinds of events celebrating moms, from shows and concerts to dances and special offerings. Here's a look at some of the special events happening this weekend.

On Friday

Get ready for a night of tropical music at Cariari Country Club in Heredia, where the band Marfil will take the stage for a special Mother's Day celebration. The band will entertain tropical-music fans with a mix of pop, dance, salsa, merengue and more. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the venue's box office or by reserving at 8669-7200.

For something with a Spanish flair, check out Flamenco Night, a Spanish flamenco dance show at the Cultural Center in San José. The performance features a cast of six professional flamenco dancers and musicians, bringing the energy and passion of flamenco to the stage.

The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the venue's box office or by reserving at 8905-2340.

Treat Mom to an evening of music at the José Figueres Ferrer Historical Cultural Center in San José. A guitar band will perform a special serenade for mothers, starting at 5 p.m. Best of all, admission is free.

On Friday and Saturday

 

Latin music fans have another big reason to celebrate Mother's Day. Guatemalan singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona is performing in Costa Rica as part of his SECO tour. The Latin music concerts will take place at the National Stadium in San José. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the Eticket website.

Get ready for some tropical sounds at the Melico Salazar Theater in San José, which presents a concert by the Mexican orchestra Sonora Santanera. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or through the Eticket website.

On Saturday

El Pescado Loco Rooftop Patio in Dominical Beach, Puntarenas, hosts friendly pickup ball hockey games beginning at 9:30 a.m. Players of all skill levels are welcome to join or simply watch the action. The games regularly attract participants from Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Switzerland, and the United States, making it a fun international community event. Admission is free.

On Saturday and Sunday

Looking for some laughs? Comedia Teater in San José presents the comedy play "Traveling by Taxi for a Dream," about a group of strangers who happen to end up sharing a taxi ride on their way to work. What starts as an ordinary trip quickly turns into a hilarious adventure as a series of unexpected events unfolds along the way. The show promises an hour of non-stop laughter. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office, or you can call 6179-7993 to make a reservation.

On Sunday

If Mom is a rock fan, this one could be right up her alley. The Melico Salazar Theater in San José presents the Classic Rock concert featuring the Costa Rica Philharmonic Orchestra. The show takes audiences on a trip through some of the biggest rock hits from legendary bands, including Metallica, AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, Queen and many others. There will be two shows on Sunday, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or through the Publitikets website.

The National Theater in San José presents "Little Women," based on the beloved novel by American author Louisa May Alcott. The National Theater Company performs the production. Performances are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

Treat the kids to a magical afternoon with "The Little Prince" at Expresivo Theater in San José. Inspired by the beloved novella written by French writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in 1943, this family-friendly production brings the timeless story to life on stage. The show starts at 2 p.m.  Grab your tickets at the theater box office or online.

This Weekend

Looking for a comedy with a little more of a grown-up angle? Esenario Theater in San José presents "Baby Boom in Paradise." The comedy follows Ariana, a woman eager to have a child, as she deals with the physical changes of pregnancy and the impact those changes have on her relationships with her partner, family and friends. The show is recommended for ages 14 and up. On Friday, the show starts at 8 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, performances begin at 6 p.m.  Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

The Espressivo Theater in San José presents "Animal Farm," the acclaimed stage adaptation inspired by George Orwell's satirical allegorical dystopian novel, first published in England on Aug. 17, 1945. The story follows the mistreated animals of Manor Farm as they rise up against their human owner, hoping to build a society where all animals are equal, free, and happy. But their revolution is ultimately betrayed, and under the dictatorship of the pigs, the farm becomes a dystopia much like the one they tried to escape. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

Don't miss "Spring Awakening Musical" at the Eugene O'Neill Theater in San José. Inspired by the 1891 play written by German playwright Benjamin Franklin Wedekind, this powerful musical follows teenagers in 19th-century Germany as they navigate sexuality, strict adult expectations, and the challenges of growing up. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available through the Eticket website.

Spend the weekend exploring the Entrepreneurs Fair at the Antigua Aduana Events Center in San José. Browse a wide variety of products, including souvenirs, plants, apparel, jewelry, furniture, and many other locally made items. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or something special for yourself, there's plenty to discover. The fair opens Friday at 1 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, activities begin at 10 a.m. Admission is free.

Lucho Barahona Theater in San José is serving up laughs with "Everything Can Get Worse." The play follows a chain reaction of hilarious mishaps that begin with a small lie and quickly spiral into one outrageous catastrophe after another. Shows run Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online. This comedy is intended for audiences 18 and older.

Tricycle Theater in San José is putting a fun twist on mystery with “Shear Madness,” based on the German play “Scherenschnitt” by Paul Pörtner. This interactive comedy drops you right into a unisex hair salon where a famous pianist upstairs gets murdered—and suddenly everyone’s a suspect. Expect laughs, surprises, and a chance to be part of the action. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the theater box office or online.

 

Embark on an unforgettable journey at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Barrio San José, Alajuela. Take a guided tour through the animal sanctuary and wildlife conservation center, where you’ll explore beautiful botanical gardens and meet over 125 species of rescued animals including sloths, monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, birds, and reptiles. These incredible animals cannot be returned to their natural habitat, but they are lovingly cared for at the center. Tickets are available at the venue box office or on the center's website. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and support wildlife conservation.

A fun-filled day of activities designed just for teenagers at Libertad Park Club in San José. From painting and dance to music, sports, and arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Best of all, the event is free and pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the fun. The event kicks off at 9 a.m.

Dive into an unforgettable adventure at the Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary in Quepos Beach, Puntarenas! This amazing non-profit is home to nearly 50 incredible animals that can't be released back into the wild, and you can meet them all on one of their fascinating tours. Reserve your spot today by emailing Chip@kstr.org or calling 8827-8243. Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and support a wonderful cause.

Get ready to witness the incredible arrival of sea turtles at Ostional National Park in Guanacaste. Starting at 6:30 a.m., you'll be guided by an expert from the Ostional Tourist Guides Association for an unforgettable experience.

Kick off an exciting day at Punta Pirata Beach Club in Puntarenas City, Puntarenas. With games, playgrounds, and pools, it's the ultimate spot for kids to have a blast. The doors open at 8 a.m., and tickets are available at the park box office.

Jump into endless fun at Ojo de Agua Water Park in San Antonio Belen, Heredia. Enjoy free swimming, Zumba, aerobics, sports games, fitness, diving, and so much more. This amazing club also features a parking area, a restaurant, multiple swimming pools for adults and kids, a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, and even a soccer field! Doors open at 7:30 a.m.Tickets are available on-site.

Visit Lankester Botanical Gardens in Dulce Nombre, Cartago, for a day surrounded by stunning nature! The gardens open at 9 a.m. and feature lagoons, forests, and beautiful landscapes. Tickets are available on-site. It’s a perfect spot to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Get ready for a day of fun and discovery at the Children's Museum in downtown San José! Packed with exciting activities for kids, this is the perfect spot for family adventures. Doors open bright and early at 9 a.m., and tickets are available on-site or on the museum's website.

Head over to Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park in La Fortuna, Alajuela, for a day full of fun and relaxation! With over 10 aquatic activities and hot spring pools to enjoy, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. The park opens at 10 a.m. Tickets are available on the venue box office. Plus, kids under 4 get in for free.

Go ride hopping at the Parque de Diversiones in La Uruca, San José. The amusement park has more than 17 rides such as roller coasters, carousels, twists and bumper cars among many others. Enjoy their food court zone and picnic area. The park opens at 9 a.m. For more information visit the park's website.



The System of Conservation Areas invites visitors to explore some of Costa Rica's most beautiful national parks, including Chirripó in Cartago and Limón, Poás Volcano in Alajuela, Tortuguero in Limón, San Lucas Island in Puntarenas, Irazú Volcano in Cartago, and Manuel Antonio Beach in Puntarenas.  You can make reservations directly on the organization's website.

The Guanacaste Conservation Area invites visitors to explore both Santa Rosa and the Horizon Experimental Forest Station in Guanacaste. Tickets can be purchased on
organization's website.

The Diquis Museum in Palmar Sur, Osa, Puntarenas offers walking tours through the archaeological zone of Finca Sitio 6. Tours are available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are available on-site.

The Art Museum in downtown La Sabana, San José, presents private collections of Latin American artists. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available on-site.

 

The Gold Museum in downtown San José presents an exhibition of Costa Rican bills and coins since 1850. Also, in the exhibit are the 700 pieces of handcrafted gold made by the first population in Costa Rica. The museum opens at 9 a.m.

The National Museum in downtown San José, presents an exhibition of Costa Rica's history and handmade artifacts, including some more than 12,000 years old, made by the first peoples of the region. Museum hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.